Two 400-foot towers could replace Men’s Central Jail

Two large towers could take shape at the existing Men’s Central Jail at 441 Bauchet Street in Downtown as part of the Consolidated Correctional Treatment Facility project, Urbanize reported.

The new project proposes a modern treatment-centric detention facility with a maximum of 3,885 beds, according to an environmental impact report distributed by the county. Plans call for a pair of 400-foot towers, positioned toward the west side of the existing Men’s Central Jail property. A 1,500-car structure at 725-747 N. Spring Street or a larger, 3,000-car garage at 1060 N. Vignes Street would serve as off-site parking for the facility.

The 2.4 million-square-foot project is part of the larger $2 billion plan to update the county’s facilities. In addition to downtown Men’s Central Jail redevelopment, L.A. County is planning to renovate the now-vacant Mira Loma Detention Center in Lancaster to create a new 1,600-bed women’s prison.

But, per usual, community activists have strongly contested the project on the basis that $2 billion should be spent elsewhere. Sheriff Jim McDonnell, on the other hand, is pushing for an even-larger facility that could accommodate 3,900 to 4,900 beds. [Urbanize] – Natalie Hoberman